Search Result for "by a long chalk":

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Chalk \Chalk\ (ch[add]k), n. [AS. cealc lime, from L. calx limestone. See Calz, and Cawk.] 1. (Min.) A soft, earthy substance, of a white, grayish, or yellowish white color, consisting of calcium carbonate, and having the same composition as common limestone. [1913 Webster] 2. (Fine Arts) Finely prepared chalk, used as a drawing implement; also, by extension, a compound, as of clay and black lead, or the like, used in the same manner. See Crayon. [1913 Webster] Black chalk, a mineral of a bluish color, of a slaty texture, and soiling the fingers when handled; a variety of argillaceous slate. By a long chalk, by a long way; by many degrees. [Slang] --Lowell. Chalk drawing (Fine Arts), a drawing made with crayons. See Crayon. Chalk formation. See Cretaceous formation, under Cretaceous. Chalk line, a cord rubbed with chalk, used for making straight lines on boards or other material, as a guide in cutting or in arranging work. Chalk mixture, a preparation of chalk, cinnamon, and sugar in gum water, much used in diarrheal affection, esp. of infants. Chalk period. (Geol.) See Cretaceous period, under Cretaceous. Chalk pit, a pit in which chalk is dug. Drawing chalk. See Crayon, n., 1. French chalk, steatite or soapstone, a soft magnesian mineral. Red chalk, an indurated clayey ocher containing iron, and used by painters and artificers; reddle. [1913 Webster]